Best Places to visit between Manali to Leh

The Manali to Leh highway road trip is one of the most celebrated road trips, riding through these criss-cross difficult terrains and having all the fun in the world on an adventurous Himalayan road trip is something we all want to do and get those moments captured in our heart forever. Below are some amazing places you get to visit between Manali to Leh. So, if you are planning your road trip to Ladakh you shouldn’t be missing on them at all.

Rohtang Pass | Altitude: 3980 Mtrs

The name Rohtang means “ground of corpses” due to the number of people who lost their lives while crossing this difficult mountain range. It is located on the Pir Panjal Mountain Range of the Himalayas and serves as the gateway to Pangi and the valley of Leh. Rohtang Pass is one the most beautiful and picturesque places you will visit on Manali-Leh highway. Rohtang pass is known for adventure sports such as Skiing, ice-skating, paragliding, motorbiking etc. Rohtang pass is the same road which connects Manali to Ladakh, connecting the two states this route is fully covered in snow in winter. Rohtang is the favourite among the adventure, nature and travel enthusiasts.

Keylong | Altitude: 3340 Mtrs

After crossing Rohtang pass 51 km (32 mi) away. After crossing Rohtang, the first village is Gramphu at 25 km (16 mi) where one has to turn left to go to Sissu 25 km (16 mi) away, and then continue to Tandi 8 km (5.0 mi) away, and then right to reach Keylong. Keylong is at an altitude of 3340 meters on Manali-Leh highway. This beautiful town is comprised of rivers, majestic mountains and beautiful landscape. Keylong is a fancy land of monasteries and Buddhists.

Jispa | Altitude: 3200 Mtrs

Located in the Lahaul and Spiti district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, at an elevation of 10,500 feet on the banks of river Bhaga, Jispa is a beautiful village with a serene landscape. It is 20 kilometres away from Keylong. Jispa has a helipad, a post office, hotel and monastery. Travellers who visit Ladakh often halt here for a night stay.

Deepak Tal | Altitude: 3810 Mtrs

Deepak Tal is a tiny lake at an altitude of 3810 meters, approximately 50 km from Keylong on the Manali-Leh highway in Himachal Pradesh. This beautiful lake appears to be beautiful blue sapphire. One cannot miss this nature’s gift on his/her visit to Leh-Ladakh.

Suraj Tal | Altitude: 4883 Mtrs

Suraj Tal as the name suggests is the lake of the Sun God, and also the 3rd highest lake in India and 21st highest lake in the world. The lake is situated just below the summit of Baralacha La pass at an altitude of 4883 meters. The lake lies on the Manali-Leh route and easily grabs the attention of the passersby.

Baralacha La | Altitude: 4890 Mtrs

Situated at an altitude of 4890 meters Baralacha La is a high mountain pass in the Zanskar range in Jammu and Kashmir. Baralacha La is one of the highest passes in Ladakh and is around 73 kilometres away from Keylong on Manali-Leh highway. This highest mountain pass connects the two prominent mountains ranges of Pir Pinjal and Zanskar valley.

Sarchu | Altitude: 4290 Mtrs

Nestled between Baralacha La and Lachulung La at an altitude of 4290 meters Sarchu is an overnight stopover with a tented accommodation on the Manali-Leh highway. It is an amazing halt to all the travellers visiting Leh-Ladakh.

Gata Loops | Altitude: 4190 Mtrs

Gata Loops is a series of 21 hairpin bends which takes you to the top of the 3rd high altitude pass. Gata loops are known for its stunning location, beautiful scenery and the difficult ascend to reach the top and that is not all there’s also a ghost that haunts this place which is known by very fewer people. Visit the place to uncover the truth behind the story.

Nakee La | Altitude: 4740 Mtrs

Nakee La is a high mountain pass between Leh Mountain highways. It is at a height of 4750 meters. Nakee Pass is the third of the passes towards Manali to Leh. Nakee La Pass is between Sarchu and Pang.

Pang | Altitude: 4600 Mtrs

Pang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of (17,076ft) above the sea level, located in Tibet, north-east of the Himalayas, in the People’s Republic of China. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of the country. The road to the pass is called Zhufeng Road, on the way from Tingri to Everest base camp. This is one of the best trips one can experience on a motorbike.

Leh | Altitude: 3500 Mtrs

A high-desert city in the Himalayas Leh is the light of the Himalayas and a place to easily fall in love with. Leh is known for its scenic beauty, pristine monasteries and Buddhist culture. Leh is also known as ‘The Little Tibet’ due to its strong influence of Tibetan Buddhism.

Conclusion:

Out of the two highways which lead to Leh-Ladakh, Manali to Leh highway witnesses some of the rawest and beautiful places of the country. A high-altitude road trip through this highway takes you through some stunning places with wonderful sceneries. Riding through the tough terrains, high altitude passes, fighting AMS, testing your nerves, patience, and determination and motoring skills. If you can accept the challenge and if it seems to be your cup of tea, then pack up and ride on!